Retrofit open resources list

2025-09-18T12:14:06Z

Centre for Sustainable Energy:

[[File:Rennovation_list_AI_1000.jpg|link=File:Rennovation_list_AI_1000.jpg]]

= Introduction =

This article is just a list and not an exhaustive list at that, but it aims to bring together a wide range of resources in one place, with no particular agenda other than that. It began from a post by Will Arnold Head of Climate Action for the Institution of Structural Engineers, with additions from various people not listed and organisations (some included in the first section), brought into the wiki with various further additions from us. We hope it is useful, grows and remains focussed on sharing knowledge. We are a wiki site and so we welcome additions to this list, we just ask these to be relevant and coming from the perspective of shared knowledge first, with any marketing intentions as secondary.

For more descriptive articles please see types of work to existing buildings, retrofit projects and roles, renovation v refurbishment v retrofit and others at the base of this article.

= UK Retrofit organisations =

== [https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/ UK National Retrofit Hub] ==

The National Retrofit Hub is a non-profit organisation that brings together those involved in the retrofit sector to share their expertise and work together to enable a National Retrofit Strategy to be delivered. Retrofitting homes is vital for the UK to achieve its energy, fuel poverty and climate change goals.

[https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/ https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/]

== RISE Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise ==

RISE is a free support service funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which provides training, guidance and support to help social housing providers, local authorities and their supply chains across England plan and deliver successful domestic retrofit programmes.

[https://riseretrofit.org.uk/ https://riseretrofit.org.uk/]

== [https://retrofitacademy.org/ The Retrofit Academy CIC] ==

The Retrofit Academy Is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on developing the skilled workforce needed for high-quality, large-scale domestic retrofit projects, aiming to make every home warm, healthy, and low-carbon.

[https://retrofitacademy.org/ https://retrofitacademy.org/]

== [https://www.be-st.build/news/scotland-s-national-retrofit-centre-and-uk-national-retrofit-hub-deepen-partnership-through-new-appointments/ BE-ST - The Scottish Built Environment Hub] ==

BE-ST is Scotland's national innovation centre for construction and the built environment.

[https://www.be-st.build/about https://www.be-st.build/about]

== [https://www.optimised-retrofit.wales/ Optimised Retrofit Wales] ==

Optimised Retrofit Wales is the collaboration of 68 partners, including 26 social housing providers, has been awarded more than £13m in funding by Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme that was introduced this year as part of the Innovative Housing Programme. This link provide further details.

[https://www.optimised-retrofit.wales/ https://www.optimised-retrofit.wales/]

== [https://www.nihe.gov.uk/working-with-us/research/energy-efficiency-and-sustainability Northern Ireland Housing Executive] ==

Northern Ireland Housing Executive in its role as the Home Energy Conservation Authority (HECA) for Northern Ireland, the Housing Executive seeks to support improvements in home energy efficiency across the entire housing stock in the region.

[https://www.nihe.gov.uk/working-with-us/research/energy-efficiency-and-sustainability https://www.nihe.gov.uk/working-with-us/research/energy-efficiency-and-sustainability]

== Supply Chain School ==

We are dedicated to advancing sustainability practices across the built environment industry.

[https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/topics/retrofit/ https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/topics/retrofit/]

== Centre for Sustainable Energy ==

We’re a charity supporting people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We offer impartial retrofit advice that focusses equally on the needs of people and the requirements of their properties. Our approach ensures that energy efficiency measures are tailored to both the property and the lifestyle of the people that live there maximising comfort and savings. We believe that successful retrofit isn’t just about buildings – it’s about improving lives and creating sustainable communities.

[https://www.cse.org.uk/ https://www.cse.org.uk/]

= European Retrofit organisations and projects =

== Retrofithub.eu ==

The aim of the project is to develop and deliver training for entities involved in residential property management on the competent implementation of renovation initiatives. The project also aims to develop a guidebook that provides a compendium of knowledge on effective implementation of retrofits for the benefit of the environment and society.

[https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/retrofit-and-energy-efficiency-in-historic-buildings/ https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/retrofit-and-energy-efficiency-in-historic-buildings/]

== EUKI Retrofit HUB ==

Completed project advancing energy retrofit of buildings in Croatia, Poland and Hungary.

[https://www.euki.de/en/euki-projects/retrofit-hub/ https://www.euki.de/en/euki-projects/retrofit-hub/]

= UK Local Authority or community guides and strategies =

== Local Partnerships/Local gov: local authority Domestic retrofit Handbook – 2023 edition ==

[https://localpartnerships.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Local_Partnerships_LA_Domestic_Retrofit_Handbook_July2023.pdf https://localpartnerships.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Local_Partnerships_LA_Domestic_Retrofit_Handbook_July2023.pdf]

== Bristol. Sustainable Development Foundation: A Bristolian's guide to Solid Wall Insulation ==

[https://sdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2015_bristolsolidwallinsulationguidance.pdf https://sdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2015_bristolsolidwallinsulationguidance.pdf]

== Etude: Cornwall Housing Decarbonisation Strategy ==

[https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/housing-decarbonisation#:~:text=We%20are%20working%20on%20a,making%20them%20affordable%20to%20run. https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/housing-decarbonisation#:~:text=We%20are%20working%20on%20a,making%20them%20affordable%20to%20run.]

== Green Meadows: Insulation Guide ==

[https://insulation.greenmeadows.uk/ https://insulation.greenmeadows.uk]

== Hertfordshire Climate Change & Sustainability Partnership: Retrofitting your house ==

[https://www.hccsp.org.uk/media/documents/hccsp-retrofitting-your-house-guide.pdf https://www.hccsp.org.uk/media/documents/hccsp-retrofitting-your-house-guide.pdf]

== Carbon Trust: Decarbonising heat in Lambeth ==

[https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/environmental-services/climate-change-sustainability/buildings-energy/heat-decarbonisation-study https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/environmental-services/climate-change-sustainability/buildings-energy/heat-decarbonisation-study]

== Etude: City of London Corporation Housing NZ Action Plan ==

[https://democracy.cityoflondon.gov.uk/documents/s158682/Appendix%202%20CoL%20Housing%20NZ%20Action%20Plan-Summary%20report-Rev%20J.pdf https://democracy.cityoflondon.gov.uk/documents/s158682/Appendix%202%20CoL%20Housing%20NZ%20Action%20Plan-Summary%20report-Rev%20J.pdf]

== The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: Sustainably retrofitting your home ==

[https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/sustainably-retrofitting-your-home https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/sustainably-retrofitting-your-home]

== Archio: Becontree Retrofit Guide: BeFirst ==

[https://www.archio.co.uk/project/becontree-estate-retrofit/ https://www.archio.co.uk/project/becontree-estate-retrofit/]

== Purcell: Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit: City of London Corporation ==

[https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-launches-retrofit-toolkit-to-protect-heritage-buildings/ https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-launches-retrofit-toolkit-to-protect-heritage-buildings/]

== Etude, Elementa, RAFT: Retrofit London Housing Action Plan ==

[https://democracy.cityoflondon.gov.uk/documents/s158853/Appendix%203%20Retrofit%20London%20Housing%20Action%20Plan.p https://democracy.cityoflondon.gov.uk/documents/s158853/Appendix%203%20Retrofit%20London%20Housing%20Action%20Plan.p]

== Bioregional, 3G Construction Consultants & Transition by Design: Retrofitting your home: Cambridge City Council ==

[https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/11676/retrofitting-your-home-report.pdf https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/11676/retrofitting-your-home-report.pdf]

== Karakusevic Carson Architects: Retrofit Social Housing: A Practical Guide for Local Authorities & Registered Providers of Social Housing ==

[https://www.karakusevic-carson.com/research/retrofit-social-housing-a-practical-guide-for-local-authorities-registered-providers-of-social-housing https://www.karakusevic-carson.com/research/retrofit-social-housing-a-practical-guide-for-local-authorities-registered-providers-of-social-housing]

== FCBStudio: Devon Retrofit Guide: Energy Saving Devon ==

[https://www.energysavingdevon.org.uk/document/devon-retrofit-guide/ https://www.energysavingdevon.org.uk/document/devon-retrofit-guide/]

== Levitt Bernstein, Etude and Prewett Bizley: ESSA Retrofit Guide ==

[https://www.essaw8.com/resources https://www.essaw8.com/resources]

== Above Ground, Street Space, People Powered Retrofit & Waxwing Energy: Saltaire Retrofit Reimagined ==

[https://www.above-ground.co.uk/saltaire-retrofit-reimagined https://www.above-ground.co.uk/saltaire-retrofit-reimagined]

= Organisations and Institute resources =

== NRH: Archetyping for retrofit: Best practice methodology ==

[https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NRH-Archetypes-Best-Practice-240926.pdf https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NRH-Archetypes-Best-Practice-240926.pdf]

== Barclays, 5th Studio, JG Consulting and Etude: Retrofit pattern book ==

[https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NRH-Retrofit-Pattern-Book.pdf https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NRH-Retrofit-Pattern-Book.pdf]

== CIBSE: Retrofit Revisit (free with registration) ==

[https://www.cibse.org/knowledge-research/knowledge-portal/retrofit-revisit-2024 https://www.cibse.org/knowledge-research/knowledge-portal/retrofit-revisit-2024]

== RICS: Residential retrofit standard, 1st edition, UK Basis for conclusions, March 2024 ==

[https://www.rics.org/content/dam/ricsglobal/documents/standards/retrofit-standard_basis-for-conclusions_march-2024-1.pdf https://www.rics.org/content/dam/ricsglobal/documents/standards/retrofit-standard_basis-for-conclusions_march-2024-1.pdf]

== Delivering for tenants:What is needed from the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to deliver the health, fuel poverty and comfort outcomes needed for renters? ==

[https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Delivering-for-Tenants-What-is-needed-from-the-Minimum-Energy-Efficiency-Standards-todeliver-the-health-fuel-poverty-and-comfort-outcomes-needed-for-renters.pdf https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Delivering-for-Tenants-What-is-needed-from-the-Minimum-Energy-Efficiency-Standards-todeliver-the-health-fuel-poverty-and-comfort-outcomes-needed-for-renters.pdf]

== Historic Environment Scotland: Guide to Energy Retrofit of Traditional Buildings ==

[https://app-hes-pubs-prod-neu-01.azurewebsites.net/api/file/c419b9ac-b004-49dc-b9ea-b0bd011279df https://app-hes-pubs-prod-neu-01.azurewebsites.net/api/file/c419b9ac-b004-49dc-b9ea-b0bd011279df]

== Commercial Retrofit Innovation Map ==

Introducing the Commercial Retrofit Innovation Map, released as part of a collaboration between Bill Gates founded Breakthrough Energy, Fore Partnership and UKGBC.

[https://ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Commercial-Retrofit-Innovation-Map-2025.html https://ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Commercial-Retrofit-Innovation-Map-2025.html]

== Climate Emergency Retrofit Guide ==

In October 2021, the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) published the Climate Emergency Retrofit Guide, developed with input from over 100 construction professionals, academics, and NGOs, to provide a blueprint for retrofitting UK homes in line with net zero targets. The guide outlines retrofit specifications for key housing types, aiming for a 60–80% reduction in energy consumption through efficiency measures and a shift from fossil fuels to electricity, particularly via heat pumps. It emphasizes the importance of whole-house approaches, highlights risks of poor retrofit, and stresses the wider social, economic, and health benefits of high-quality retrofits, from lowering bills and fuel poverty to creating jobs and easing pressure on national energy infrastructure. Backed by major professional bodies, the guide follows LETI’s 2020 Climate Emergency Design Guide for new buildings and is freely available online.

[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/LETI_publishes_Climate_Emergency_Retrofit_Guide https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/LETI_publishes_Climate_Emergency_Retrofit_Guide]

== Energy Technologies Institute: Stock archetypes in the UK. Tabulations for the specification of refurbishment solutions. ==

[https://ukerc.rl.ac.uk/publications/technical_report/BLD_BU1001_53.pdf https://ukerc.rl.ac.uk/publications/technical_report/BLD_BU1001_53.pdf]

== Historic England, [https://cadw.gov.wales/advice-support Cadw] and [https://www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support/ Historic Environment Scotland]: Course Handbook: Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings ==

[https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/energy-efficiency-older-traditional-buildings-level3-handbook/course-handbook/ https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/energy-efficiency-older-traditional-buildings-level3-handbook/course-handbook/]

== Retrofit 2050: Critical Challenges for Urban Transitions ==

Scaling up retrofit presents a number of critical challenges for the transition to urban sustainability. Drawing together insights from the EPSRC Retrofit 2050 project this briefing sets out key success factors that need to be in place to deliver sustainable futures for UK cities.

[https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/65743/1/critical_challenges_briefing-March%202014.pdf https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/65743/1/critical_challenges_briefing-March%202014.pdf]

== SPoW Sustainability Checklist ==

This Checklist should be used to guide the structural engineering design process towards achieving sustainable outcomes, focusing on low carbon design over which the structural engineer holds significant influence.

The checklist may also aid in developing scope of works, budgeting and planning resources to undertake these tasks.<br />
Topics and actions are grouped to approximately align with the numbering system of the SPoW Sustainability Report.

[https://www.istructe.org/resources/climate-emergency/spow-sustainability-checklist/ https://www.istructe.org/resources/climate-emergency/spow-sustainability-checklist/]

== Sustainable Renovation:Improving homes for energy, health and environment ==

This publication from [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pebble-trust-highlands/ The Pebble Trust (Highlands)], [https://www.linkedin.com/company/scotecodesign/ The Scottish Ecological Design Association] and [https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-gilbert-architects/ John Gilbert Architects] contains beautiful and instructive diagrams for best-practice retrofit details. Definitely worth looking at, regardless of which design discipline you identify as.

[https://www.thepebbletrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/230814_SRG-ed2_Digital-V2_compressed.pdf https://www.thepebbletrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/230814_SRG-ed2_Digital-V2_compressed.pdf]

== Technical Information Sheet: The Retrofit of Buildings ==

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) released a Technical Information Sheet on the Retrofit of Buildings, highlighting retrofit as one of the most significant future activities in the global construction industry to tackle climate change by cutting carbon emissions and improving building resilience. Designed for worldwide use, the guide avoids referencing specific laws or regulations and instead focuses on explaining what retrofit is, the approaches and processes involved, key technical issues, and measures such as fabric upgrades, renewable integration, building services, and ventilation. It also outlines the roles of professionals in the retrofit process and provides a comprehensive overview of available low-energy technologies. Published in English, Arabic, and Chinese, the sheet is accessible electronically, with CIOB members receiving free access and discounts on related resources. The author, John Edwards, Director of Edwards Hart Consultants and Professor of Practice at the University of Wales Trinity St David, brings expertise in building conservation and energy-efficient retrofitting of historic and modern buildings.

[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Retrofit_of_Buildings,_a_CIOB_Technical_Publication_available_in_3_languages https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Retrofit_of_Buildings,_a_CIOB_Technical_Publication_available_in_3_languages]

== The Passivhaus residential development at Goldsmith Street ==

This lecture recording explores the structural engineering implications of Passivhaus design, using the award-winning Goldsmith Street development in Norwich as a case study. Passivhaus construction aims to reduce heating and cooling costs, helping address the growing issue of fuel poverty, and gained national attention when Goldsmith Street won the 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize. The session provides an overview of the Passivhaus standard, highlighting its history in the UK and globally, while discussing how it shapes sustainable construction practices. It also examines the structural engineer’s role, the technical challenges encountered during design, and how early concept decisions are crucial for meeting Passivhaus requirements. Delivered by Rob Scholes, Director and Environmental Manager at Rossi Long Consulting, the lecture offers practical insights into the engineering demands of sustainable residential development.

[https://www.istructe.org/resources/training/the-passivhaus-residential-development-at-goldsmit/ https://www.istructe.org/resources/training/the-passivhaus-residential-development-at-goldsmit/]

== Understanding existing buildings – five studies to complete before design work starts ==

Fiona Cobb presents a brief guide to the key desk research required to understand the types of construction, likely structural capacities and latent defects of an existing building.

[https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-99-(2021)/issue-3/understanding-existing-buildings-five-studies/ https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-99-(2021)/issue-3/understanding-existing-buildings-five-studies/]

== Retrofitting and improving the energy efficiency of your home ==

[https://www.rics.org/consumer-guides/retrofitting-improving-energy-efficiency-home.html https://www.rics.org/consumer-guides/retrofitting-improving-energy-efficiency-home.html]

= Individual articles =

== Hierarchy of Net Zero Design ==

This article by Will Arnold describes the Hierarchy of Net Zero Design. This means a primary mindset of 'Use Less Stuff' (reuse first, then efficient structural configurations, then efficient design calcs), only then followed by low-impact material specs.

Buildings provide people with warmth, shelter, and spaces to gather, yet their construction and operation have long exceeded environmental limits. While we cannot stop building entirely, since many regions still need more housing and infrastructure, we must shift toward construction that minimises environmental harm and eventually even benefits ecosystems. Historically, most emissions came from operating buildings, but advances in electrification, insulation, and renewable energy have shifted the focus toward embodied carbon—the emissions from producing materials like concrete and steel. Since these two industries alone account for over 15% of global emissions, addressing structural materials is one of the most urgent challenges in the sector.

Reducing structural emissions comes down to two strategies: using less material or lowering the carbon intensity of materials. Designers and engineers have the most influence over the first—optimising building layouts, reusing existing stock, and avoiding over design. Meanwhile, material producers and researchers must focus on decarbonising concrete, steel, and timber to achieve long-term climate goals. Halving structural emissions by 2030 is achievable through efficient design and collaboration, but reaching net zero by 2050 requires breakthroughs in low-carbon materials. Designers today hold a unique responsibility and opportunity to lead carbon reduction in construction—if they actively commit to using less, innovating more, and demanding change across the industry.

for full article visit [https://www.istructe.org/resources/blog/the-hierarchy-of-net-zero-design/ https://www.istructe.org/resources/blog/the-hierarchy-of-net-zero-design/]

== Scaling low-carbon construction materials ==

Philip Isaac and Jonny Hawkshaw review the potential for materials with lower embodied carbon to be used more widely in both small-scale domestic projects and larger-scale residential and commercial projects published by IStructE.

[https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-98-(2020)/issue-9/scaling-low-carbon-construction-materials/ https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-98-(2020)/issue-9/scaling-low-carbon-construction-materials/]

== Profile: Scott Boote ==

The main barriers to delivering low-carbon design on residential projects are not the ones you might expect, according to Scott Boote. He talks to Helena Russell about what needs to change – both in engineers' perceptions about materials and process, and in the wider sector.

[https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-102-(2024)/issue-8/profile-scott-boote/ https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-102-(2024)/issue-8/profile-scott-boote/]

== CROSS Safety Report: Apparently simple home improvement work leads to dangerous situation ==

A report discussing how home improvement work, consisting of reroofing and a loft conversion, resulted in a 'near miss' with potentially dangerous conditions for neighbours.

[https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-102-(2024)/issue-8/cross-safety-report-home-improvement-work/ https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-102-(2024)/issue-8/cross-safety-report-home-improvement-work/]

== IBO: Details for Passive Houses: Renovation ==

Ecological refurbishment requires know-how and experience. The IBO book is therefore designed as a planning tool that systematically reviews existing solutions.

[https://www.ibo.at/en/allgemeines/dissemination-of-knowledge/book-reviews/data/details-for-passive-houses-renovation https://www.ibo.at/en/allgemeines/dissemination-of-knowledge/book-reviews/data/details-for-passive-houses-renovation]

=== [https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/resource/archetypes-library-best-practice-guide/#_rich_text-28-1495 A]CAN Natural Materials Detail Library ===

The Natural Materials group seeks to educate and inform students, professionals and the general public on the multiple benefits of natural materials in construction. We believe natural materials should be the first choice for new construction and refurbishment. Natural materials provide healthy, low carbon, low impact, resilient, local and beautiful construction resources.

[https://www.naturaldetailslibrary.org/ https://www.naturaldetailslibrary.org/]

= Others =

== Ecological Building Systems Blog ==

[https://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/blog https://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/blog]

= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

* Alterations to existing buildings.
* Do the building regulations apply to works to existing buildings?
* Demolition.
* Material amendment.
* Material change of use.
* Minor material amendment.
* Non material amendment.
* Change of use class.
* PAS 2038:2021 Retrofitting non-domestic buildings for improved energy efficiency.
* Planning permission.
* Permitted development.
* Principal designer.
* Renovation v refurbishment v retrofit.
* Retrofit.
* Retrofit projects and roles.
* Types of work to existing buildings.

[[Category:DCN_Dataset]] [[Category:DCN_Education_and_Training]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Circular_economy]]

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